Getty Image / Xinhua News Agency
Plenty of former NBA stars participate in the Chinese Basketball Association overseas.
However, Eric Bledsoe and Michael Beasley could be in big trouble, along with their team the Shanghai Sharks.
According to the Action Network, the Sharks featuring former NBA stars Bledsoe and Beasley, have been disqualified from the playoffs for allegedly fixing a game.
Eric Bledsoe and Michael Beasley's team in China, the Shanghai Sharks, has been disqualified from the CBA Playoffs after being accused of fixing a playoff game. pic.twitter.com/eDaTgz18yb
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) April 17, 2023
On top of that, the Sharks’ opponent, the Jiangsu Dragons, is also disqualified, per the Action Network. The CBA believes that both teams worked together to ensure the Sharks of securing the win.
Their opponent, the Jiangsu Dragons, were also disqualified.
The Dragons led by four with two minutes to go, but five consecutive turnovers led to a 10-0 run and eventual win for the Sharks.pic.twitter.com/yiOxEzIbka
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) April 17, 2023
I know it’s not the NBA, but anytime a sports team is accused of cheating like this it’s a pretty serious situation.
Especially considering how big basketball is in China. People from that country love the NBA and they cherish any players who come and play in the CBA.
For now, further punishments are unknown, as the league is likely conducting more investigations between the Sharks and Dragons.
This is a major controversy in China sports right now and basketball fans couldn’t help but react to the news.
Major basketball controversy in China! Wow. https://t.co/OHSTEuozis
— John Frascella (Football) (@LegendSports7) April 17, 2023
Maybe the Sharks and Dragons were just a bit too obvious.
They couldn’t hold Bledsoe out there lmao https://t.co/NZscNjNh09
— Jackpot Joey 🪬♠️ (@_JoAlmighty) April 17, 2023
We’ll see if the CBA makes an official announcement regarding this situation. For now, though, the Sharks and Dragons will remain out of the postseason.